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Bill Roper?
Jakard
Member Posts: 415
Okay. So, I just noticed (haven't really followed this game at all) that Bill Roper is on this product. I was amoung the many that was let down by Hellgate: London and Bill Roper in general. What is his role in this product and was Hellgate: London's failure just a fluke and I should give the guy a break for all of the good that he's done in the industry?
Comments
His title is Design Director for Cryptic. Seems like his role is like a project manager. He joined during the late days of development after Hellgate collapsed.
I don't think I can convince you one way or another on how to view Roper. People already have their presuppositions regarding him and it won't matter what he did in the past. All that matters is what he did recently. Just be honest with yourself to determine how much of an impact his role in the game makes. I'm sure you have your own opinion. Go with that.
For me, I give them a second chance. They are human afterall and MMO development is a tough business. They mess up royally a second time? I probably won't touch their games unless I know for a fact I'll enjoy it.
I will say this. Bill has been the voice of Cryptic regarding the Microtransactions for CO. If you recall, though different, It was Bill's scheme to have HGL be a f2p/Sub game where all could play together. Here in CO the pitch: Pay a sub and have microtransactions. Most of these will be fore asthetics or account management. Some will effect your performance/progression, but will also be provided free in the form of some kind of grind. If you recall HGL offered the Founders/Lifetime Subscription before the NDA was lifted. We see the same thing here in CO. So far, it seems that Bill has had his hands on the pricing model. Is this good or bad? I don't know. But as someone who dug CoH, wanted HGL to make it, and sees CO as a possiblity, Bill's involvement makes me nervous. If this hybrid pricing model didn't come about, I wouldn't be so skeptical. Heck, even if this hybrid pricing model was offered and Bill Roper wasn't on board, I might be less nervous for the title. But both? Not a good sign.
This is why I am scared of Mister Roper.
If he finds out I am living with two hot girls and I am straight, he'll kick me out and then I'll lose my job at the Regal Beagle.
Bwahahhaa... Come and knock on our dooooor....
"Because it's easier to nitpick something than to be constructive." -roach5000
Correlation does not equal causation. For all we know, it was Atari that set the pricing model. Or it may be possible Cryptic planned it well before Roper joined the team. He joined late. To blame him for the pricing model seems a bit of a stretch at this point even if it is true.
None of the pricing schemes are new. LotRO offered Lifetime subs too and that was BEFORE Hellgate. There's plenty of MMOs that offer MTs with subs.
Hate the MT. Hate the Lifetime subs. Hate Roper if you want. But I don't think it is fair to predict the demise of Cryptic and CO because he joined the team.
That was awesome. But don't worry. It always ends up being a misunderstanding.
Bill Roper is the guy that took what is basically:
Diablo 3 + FPS + awesome story setting + procedural random generated levels + great art direction
And made the impossible
He managed to make it fail ?!?!
He's the guy who decided to make the game both subscription model and micro transactions at the sametime for maximum customer rip off.
It's a shame this company with such epic creative staff are saddled with a bunch of tossers for upper manangement.
Still if he doesn't make double the money other manangers make he can't afford to feed himself double the food.
I have to edit this post as I have just read Bill saying he opposes the concept of MTs. My apologies.
lol!!
Disclaimer: This is not a troll post and is not here to promote any negative energy. Although this may be a criticism, it is not meant to offend anyone. If a moderator feels the post is inappropriate, please remove it immediately before it is subject to consideration for a warning. Thank you.